Dr Ronan Glynn mentioned five key concerns in his letter to Cabinet that ultimately stopped the move to phase four.
Pubs, nightclubs and an increase in gatherings were the main parts of phase four which was due to begin next Monday.
However, after a NPHET and then Cabinet meeting it was decided to push back all easing of restrictions pending a review in another three weeks.
And in the letter, written by Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn, it lists out five major concerns of the health officials.
They are;
- The increasing cases numbers of the disease currently being reported each day, and the increasing incidence observed nationally.
- The increasing number of cases in vulnerable groups including those living in direct provision.
- Multiple significant outbreaks notified in workplaces, particularly in the construction and food production sectors.
- The increasing number of cases reported in younger people, particularly those between 25-34 years of age.
- The observed shift in the location of the majority of cases from the greater Dublin region to other counties over the past 7-10 days.
The letter went on to recommend a "cautious but measured" approach to the current situation and the pushing back of phase four for three more weeks.
